Aberdeen City Council has selected Muse Developments its preferred bidder for the 2.4-acre St Nicholas House brownfield site in the heart of the city.

The Muse proposal, which would be completed during 2016, would see the development of a boutique hotel, restaurants, cafes and shops, offices, public space and a new civic square.

The council will lease the development from Muse and receive a proportion of rental profits for 35 years, after which the site will transfer to council ownership.

The proposal will go out to public consultation for 12 weeks before a planning application is submitted.